Choose DirectX and C++ for your Windows Store games

For the most high-fidelity and rich experiences in 3D games, you’ll want to use the Windows 8.1 DirectX APIs. This is the easiest version of DirectX to develop with. It supports a wide range of graphics feature levels, from DirectX 9.1 to all the latest hardware features exposed in DirectX 11.1. It allows you to tailor your game to every PC, from power-efficient ARM-based portable Windows 8.1 tablets, to over-clocked multi-GPU gamer rigs.

With C++, you have a direct line to the GPU, CPU and low-level services of the Windows 8 platform. You can write high-performance code. With the new C++/CX language extensions, the syntax approaches the simplicity of C#. You get transparent object management via reference counting, and yet there’s no runtime layer, garbage collection or just-in-time compilation behavior that could compromise the smooth performance of your game.

Why create a game for the Windows Store?

Perhaps you are a game developer coming from a different platform, or you have previously developed a game on an earlier version of DirectX on Windows. You want to explore whether developing your game for the Windows Store is an attractive proposition for you. Here are some reasons to invest in the Windows Store:

Reuse your code and leverage your game development experience: One of the greatest advantages of the DirectX/C++ development approach is that you can reuse significant amounts of your Windows Desktop game code to create a Windows Store game, a Windows Phone game. Use this porting guidance to leverage your existing code and game idea:

New horizons for your game: Windows 8.1 has changed the PC landscape with innovative form factors, new chip architectures, and exciting commerce models that present new opportunities.

Rich entertainment experiences: Windows 8.1 is designed and engineered specifically for the enjoyment of entertainment experiences. The Windows 8.1 User Experience (UX) guidelines promote full screen imagery, as well as fast and fluid interactions with no borders. It is more convenient than ever to support touch, pen (ink) and mouse with the same code so you don’t have to design special mechanics for different form factors.

Broad range of devices: To enable the highest possible performance, C++ with DirectX is the language of choice for Windows 8.1 apps. Since performance is linked to device efficiency, C++ provides a route to the lowest possible power consumption rate, thereby enabling your game to run on the broadest range of devices.